What does methadone look like?

How is methadone abused?

Methadone is taken orally or intravenously. It is sometimes mixed with other drugs or alcohol to intensify the effect.

How does methadone affect a person?

Recreational users of methadone experience a high powerful enough to create an almost immediate craving for more.

Morphine and heroin share similar effects.

What are the health effects/risks of using methadone?

Long-term use of methadone can lead to addiction. Addicts who abruptly stop using methadone experience withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, irritability, chills, excessive perspiration, runny nose/eyes, enlarged pupils, aching joints, muscle spasms, abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhea. Withdrawal symptoms can last up to two weeks. General discomfort, loss of appetite and insomnia can last as long as six months.

Methadone stays in the bloodstream long after effects have ceased. Assuming the drug has worn off, users often increase frequency and dosage. This can lead to overdose, coma, respiratory failure and death.